Muhafazah

A muhafazah (محافظة) is an administrative division, typically translated as "governorate" or "province," used in many Arab countries. It represents a regional unit of government, usually below the national level and above smaller units like districts (such as markaz or nahia).

The muhafazah is typically headed by a governor (Arabic: muhafiz), who is often appointed by the national government. The governor is responsible for the administration of the governorate, including maintaining law and order, overseeing local services, and implementing national policies.

The structure and responsibilities of a muhafazah can vary from country to country, reflecting different legal systems and administrative traditions. In some countries, muhafazahs have considerable autonomy, while in others they are more closely controlled by the central government. The number of muhafazahs in a country also varies significantly.

The term muhafazah is derived from the Arabic root hafaza, meaning "to preserve" or "to protect," reflecting the governorate's role in maintaining order and stability within its boundaries.